ASTM A691 Grade 1 / 2 EFW Alloy Pipes

High-pressure Electric Fusion Welded (EFW) alloy steel pipes fabricated from ASTM A387 Grade 11 and Grade 22 plates.

ASTM A691 EFW Technical Overview

ASTM A691 is the standard specification for carbon and alloy steel pipe, electric-fusion-welded with filler metal added, fabricated from pressure-vessel-quality plate. Grade 1 (1-1/4 Cr) is made from A387 Grade 11 plate, and Grade 2 (2-1/4 Cr) is made from A387 Grade 22 plate. These pipes are intended for high-pressure service at high temperatures. Steel Emporium supplies A691 pipes in various classes (Class 11, 22, 42, etc.), which define the type of heat treatment and the extent of radiographic examination (X-Ray) performed on the weld seam. These are ideal for large-diameter applications in power plants and refineries where seamless pipes are not feasible.

Key Material Advantages

100% Weld Reliability

Welds are subjected to full radiography (RT) to ensure maximum integrity under pressure.

Large Diameter Capability

Excellent solution for large NB sizes (up to 100") in high-temp alloy service.

Thermal Stability

High chromium content ensures resistance to oxidation and creep at elevated heats.

Table 1: Chemical Composition (%)
GradeEquivalent PlateCr (Chromium)Mo (Moly)C (Carbon)Si
Gr. 1 (1-1/4 Cr)ASTM A387 Gr 111.00 - 1.500.44 - 0.650.05 - 0.170.50 - 0.80
Gr. 2 (2-1/4 Cr)ASTM A387 Gr 222.00 - 2.500.90 - 1.100.05 - 0.150.50 max
Table 2: Mechanical Properties
GradeTensile Strength (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa) minElongation (% in 2")
A691 Grade 1415 - 585 MPa205 MPa18% - 22%
A691 Grade 2415 - 585 MPa205 MPa18% - 22%
Table 3: Heat Treatment & Radiography Classes
ClassHeat TreatmentRadiography
Class 11None (As-rolled)Full Radiography
Class 12None (As-rolled)Spot Radiography
Class 22Stress Relieved (SR)Spot Radiography
Class 42Normalized & TemperedSpot Radiography
Table 4: International Equivalent Standards
ASTM A691 GradeA335 Seamless Equiv.Plate BaseDIN Equivalent
Grade 1-1/4 CrA335 P11ASTM A387 Gr 1113CrMo44
Grade 2-1/4 CrA335 P22ASTM A387 Gr 2210CrMo910
Table 5: A691 EFW Pipe Weight Chart (Large NB)
Size (NB)OD (mm)STD Weight (kg/m)XS Weight (kg/m)
24"609.6125.5173.4
36"914.4188.5261.0
48"1219.2251.5348.6

Industrial Applications

Power Generation

High-pressure steam piping for large power plants.

Refineries

Thermal cracking and catalytic reformer units.

Fired Heaters

Large diameter convection and radiant heat lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

EFW (Electric Fusion Welding) uses an electric arc to fuse a rolled plate with the addition of filler metal. This allows for the production of heavy-wall, large-diameter alloy pipes.

A691 is chosen when the required diameter is too large (typically above 24") or the wall thickness is too great for seamless pipe manufacturing to be economical.

The class defines the heat treatment and X-ray testing required. For example, Class 22 means the pipe is stress-relieved and spot-radiographed.